International Multi-Centre Collaboration Reveals that Cannabigerol Acts Directly on Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2

CORDOBA, Spain, June 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Phytoplant Research S.L. participated in a first-ever pioneering collaborative project to investigate the ability of cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG), the molecular precursor of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The study investigated the ability of the above to modulate the affinity and functionality of type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors (CB₁ and CB₂, respectively) and CB₁–CB₂ heteroreceptor complexes. It concluded that CBG significantly modulates CB₂R- and CB₁R/CB₂R-mediated endocannabinoid action, while the effects are weak in CB₁R-expressing cells.

The results of this research, published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, show that CBG, a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid, at nanomolar concentrations, is capable of acting as a competitive partial agonist of the CB₂R. Regarding its action on CB₁R, it is not possible to rule out a potential allosteric action, since the blocking of intracellular signalling of CB₁R agonists occurs at concentrations of CBG lower than those necessary for its binding to the orthostatic site of the receptor.

These findings reopen the discussion about the ability of other phytocannabinoids, whose mechanism of action was unknown, to bind directly to cannabinoid receptors as Δ ⁹-THC does. In the study, researchers obtained results using different approaches that include the classic radioligand ligand binding, new fluorescent-based binding techniques and the measurement of signalling pathways. In these assays, CBG was able to modify the affinity and activity of selective CB₁R and CB₂R agonists at concentrations with physiological relevance (nanomolar).

The results also suggest that the partial agonism on the CB₂R is regulated by the presence of the CB₁R. However, more complex alternative scenarios cannot be ruled out as CBG may act on the orthosteric site of the CB₁R protomer and as protean agonist of the CB1R protomer within the CB₁R/CB₂R heteromer.

The Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory at the University of Barcelona, directed by Rafael Franco, is a pioneer in Europe in the research of the biochemical, pharmacological and functional aspects of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including cannabinoid receptors, as well as the expression and differential function of cannabinoid receptors during neurodegeneration. One of its main achievements has been the characterization of these receptors as possible therapeutic targets for the design and development of new drugs to treat diseases that affect the central nervous system.

"Natural compounds present in Cannabis sativa L. and acting on cannabinoid receptors are guiding the search for novel drugs to combat neurodegenerative diseases," said Professor Rafael Franco of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona.

"With these findings, we demonstrate clearly that CBG is active at the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 and that it exerts its effects through those receptors. We have deepened the knowledge about phytocannabinoids and reopened the discussion about the interaction between the Cannabis plant compounds," said Dr. Xavier Nadal, Director of the R & D -  Extraction Department at Phytoplant Research S.L.      

The results of the study indicate that CBG is indeed effective as a regulator of endocannabinoid signalling and may exert beneficial actions with therapeutic potential via cannabinoid receptors.

About the University of Barcelona:

The Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory directed by Prof. Rafael Franco belongs to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine at the University of Barcelona, which is the Spanish institution with the highest score in biomedical research rankings. His research activity is devoted to deciphering the structure and function of GPCRs and their association into heteroreceptor complexes, with the aim of identifying therapeutic targets to combat various neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Among GPCR research, cannabinoid receptors are very challenging due to the lipidic nature of endocannabinoids. Through a variety of technological strategies, the group has been able to discover allosteric binding sites in these receptors and get insight into their pharmacology, specially that related to cannabis components.

Media Contact:
Name: Rafael Franco
Phone: +34 610 30 61 23
Email: [email protected]

About the University of Ferrara:

The Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory of the University of Ferrara, directed by Prof. Katia Varani, focuses on research on ligand-receptor interaction. The group focuses on identifying new pharmacological targets related to different pathologies such as neurodegenerative disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, ischemia and cancer. It has at its disposal the most advanced instruments to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and its modulation by means of a receptor-based approach. For several years, the research group has also specialized in functional and binding assays for the evaluation of the affinity, selectivity and potency of new candidate ligands, for GPCRs in particular.

About Phytoplant Research S.L:

Phytoplant Research SL is a Spanish private company founded in 2008 dedicated to conducting research in herbal medicine. It specializes in the development of the industrial chain of medicinal plants, from the selection and breeding, to the registration and cultivation of varieties and obtaining derived products. The company focuses on R&D products that contain plant material and extracts, as well as essential oils and oils from seeds. These products represent a relevant economic potential for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and dermocosmetic industries. They also guarantee the industrial supply of raw materials of phyto-pharmaceutical quality through the cultivation of medicinal plants and the extraction of plant material, with the aim of isolating, purifying and manufacturing naturally active ingredients (psychoactive and non-psychoactive), semi-synthetic, biotransformed, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives.

More information about the company is available here.

Media Contact:
Name: Stefan Martin Meyer
Phone: (0034) 957 10 16 29
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Phytoplant Research SL

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